Navy Bean Soup Recipe

Overview:

Navy Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any weeknight meal. This recipe yields a large batch, making it ideal for freezing and enjoying whenever a craving strikes. With its blend of nutritious ingredients and savory flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup dried navy beans
6 cups water
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
3 celery ribs, chopped
3 ham hocks
1 cup diced ham
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Soak Beans Overnight:

Before starting the cooking process, soak the dried navy beans in water overnight. This will help them soften and cook more evenly.

2. Prepare Ingredients:

Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the celery ribs. Gather all other ingredients and ensure they are ready for use.

3. Crockpot Cooking:

In a large crockpot, combine the soaked navy beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, celery, ham hocks, diced ham, chicken bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

4. Cook:

Set the crockpot to low heat and cook the soup for 8 to 10 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender.

5. Discard Bay Leaf:

Once the soup has finished cooking, carefully remove the bay leaf from the pot. Its flavor will have infused into the soup during the cooking process.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle the Navy Bean Soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

7. Storage:

Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer-term storage. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave whenever you’re ready for a comforting bowl of homemade soup.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 218.2
Total Fat: 1.1g
Saturated Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 0.1mg
Sodium: 556.5mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40.8g
Dietary Fiber: 15.1g
Sugars: 5.5g
Protein: 13.5g

Tips:

For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the diced onion, garlic, and celery before adding them to the crockpot.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the cooked soup using an immersion blender or transfer a portion to a blender, then return it to the pot.
Customize the soup by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika, to enhance its flavor profile.

Enjoy this nourishing Navy Bean Soup with your family and friends, and savor the comforting flavors with each spoonful. It’s a timeless recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones. 🥣🍲